Once again, it’s that time of year in Panama, when you can expect businesses to be closed more days out of the month that you can understand. Panama public holidays in November and December are rife!
So, which days are public holidays in Panama and why?
Separation from Colombia (1903):
- Saturday – November 2nd – I only mention it because the sale of liquor is PROHIBITED on this day! It is a memorial day. Bars will be closed and restaurants will not be serving liquor. Liquor stores will be closed. The liquor section of restaurants will be cordoned off. Buy your booze on Friday if you need some.
- Sunday, November 3rd – the actual day of the separation from Colombia. But, since it falls on a Sunday, Monday the 4th will be a public holiday.
- Monday, November 4th – Also known as Flag day, but not actually a public holiday. A banking holiday – Government offices are closed and marching. But this year – a public holiday because of the 3rd falling Sunday.
- Tuesday, November 5th – Colon Day – the celebration of Colon joining the separation from Colombia
Independence from Spain (1820):
- Sunday, November 10th – La Villa de Los Santos – a shout of independence (starts the independence movement). Since this is a Sunday, Monday the 11th is a public holiday
- Monday, November 11th – public holiday
- Thursday, November 28th – Independence Day – independence of Panama from Spain (then joins Colombia, Venezuela forming the Bolivian state, until it all breaks up and then leaves Colombia in 1903)
Mother’s Day:
Yes, in Panama, Mother’s Day is an actual public holiday. This year, December 8th falls on a Sunday, so Monday, December 9th will be a public holiday.
Christmas 2019:
Christmas day is on a Wednesday this year. Expect businesses in Panama to close at lunch on Tuesday (Christmas Eve). Some will work a normal day, but you should check this out before making any plans.
Please note that Monday the 23rd and Tuesday the 24th, the traffic in Panama City will be chaos. These are NOT good days to come into town to do errands. Leave your errands for Thursday, December 26th – you will have a much better chance of getting anything done!
Panama public holidays 2020:
So, New Years Day is also a public holiday in Panama – so expect businesses to close down at midday on the 31st (not all businesses, but most) and none will be open on the 1st.
If you are asked to work on one of the public holidays, you should check regarding the payment of overtime or compensation of the time. Should you ask your employees to work on these public holidays, make sure that you have calculated the correct overtime pay.
If you have any questions and need a lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
